|
Male Infertility - Possible Treatment |
| If you are reading
this page you have probably been told that you have a low sperm count. If
so the first thing you must remember is that sperm count is a poor test
in terms of predicting whether you will actually be fertile or not. So,
unless you have almost zero sperm count you should not give up..... There
are also plenty of men around who have normal sperm counts but unfortunatley
no children. The fact is that we still are unable to predict precisely which
couples will be fertile and which couples will not! When the cause for the semen abnormality can be identified, treatment directed specifically at this cause is the most direct and effective plan. Your doctor is the only one that can advise you about this. However, in many cases of low sperm count the cause for the semen abnormality will not be discovered and the doctor may not offer any treatment. In this situation the couple will usually be recommended for IVF which works for some but is costly and waiting lists are usually long ! In terms of self-help treatment options
please take a look at the list below. In addition we recommend that you
consider using Proxeed
which can improve sperm counts and motility. Limit your exposure and repeat the semen analysis or sperm count test after 10-12 weeks. 2) Substance abuse, toxin exposure, and medications Wherever possible stop taking drugs, or smoking, or working in environments where you get exposed to hazardous chemicals. Repeat the semen analysis or sperm count test after 10-12 weeks. 3) Radiation The effects of low doses can be correctable but high doses may cause permanent infertility. 4) Surgery Unforunately it is not usually possible to correct problems with further surgery unless you are looking for vasectomy reversal or varicocele repair (see below). 5) Testicular failure If testicular failure is diagnosed as the cause of azoospermia or very low sperm counts it is not usually possible to correct the problem with treatment. Usually the doctors will try to recover some live sperm and if they can do so they may offer hope through techniques such as IVF. 6) Varicocele This condition, if believed to be the cause
of infertility, is often correctable by surgery. Sperm count should improve
after 3-6 months and using Proxeed
may be beneficial as well. 7) Intra-Uterine Insemination (IUI) Intrauterine insemination (IUI) of sperm may be used to improve chances of conception but is obviously a specialised technique involving a lot of options under the control of the doctor. 8) Donor Sperm In cases where the man is considered infertile
the option of using a donor sperm may be suggested. Of course this is
a major decision and it is essential to discuss this option with your
partner carefully before proceeding. 9) In-Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) There are many possibilities under this option but all require the close coordination with a fertility specialist. The procedures can be relatively complex and costly but there is no doubt that IVF offers hope to couples that would otherwise have none. This is usually the final option available
|